The British Museum uses cookies to ensure you have the best browsing experience
and to help us improve the site.
By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to
our use of cookies. (Last updated: 12 January 2017)
Find out more

The Sámi Magic Drum

Supported by

Asahi Shimbun

This display focuses on a drum made in Scandinavia in the 1600s by the Sámi people.

In the hands of a skilled shaman it was a magical weapon that could help to protect the community. Its skin is covered in painted designs including reindeer, the sun and moon, and a man in a boat travelling across the underworld sea. These represent guides and accounts of journeys to other realms – to the worlds of spirits and gods.

The Sámi live in arctic and sub-arctic Europe. Their homeland, named Sápmi, covers parts of northern Norway, Sweden, Finland, as well as the Kola Peninsulain Russia.

The drum is one the Museum's most important objects. It belonged to the Museum's founder, Sir Hans Sloane, and it goes on special display to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Museum opening to the public.

A Sámi shaman's drum made of wood and skin (detail). Sámi, from northern Scandinavia, 16th-17th century AD.